News

Chic’s Alfa Anderson recalls meeting Luther Vandross in a studio. “A few days later, I got a phone call, saying that he wanted to talk to me. … We just started talking — I would call him, go up to his house. We would cook and eat. He would sit at the keyboard and would write songs. We never wrote together, but we would sing together all the time.

“That was the beginning of my being involved in the ‘Luther Vandross University of vocalizing,’” notes Anderson. “He was so meticulous about vocals. We would listen to background vocals. We would talk about how wonderful they were and he would break everything down.

“That was the beginning of a friendship that would last actually until he died. I owe a debt of gratitude,” says Anderson on “When Luther Sings,” the first single from her debut solo album, From My Heart that will be released this summer. It pays homage to her good friend and musical mentor.

“When I heard him sing, he opened his mouth and I was smitten,” remembers Anderson fondly. “I haven’t heard anybody sing like that in my entire life. I haven’t heard anybody sing who has a gift that he had…warm and inviting — I still haven’t found it.”

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Record Store Day on April 22nd, Parlophone will release the limited edition David Bowie album, CRACKED ACTOR (Live In Los Angeles 1974), the first official release of this Philly Dogs Tour show from September 1974, some of which was featured in Alan Yentob’s BBC documentary, Cracked Actor.

The album differs greatly from Bowie’s David Live album (also from 1974), as it features a new band line up including soul legend Luther Vandross on vocals.

The full concert is documented on a triple vinyl five-sided album. The sixth side features an etching of the Diamond Dogs era Bowie logo.

To purchase this exclusive Record Store Day vinyl release on April 22, you can find participating retailers at RecordStoreDay.com.

Many fans are passionate about keeping Luther Vandross’ version of the David Barrett-penned tune “One Shining Moment” intact for the end of NCAA men’s basketball March Madness. So there’s good news for “One Shining Moment” purists out there: Barrett told TMZ that Vandross’ version will indeed be used by CBS after March Madness comes to a close. A CBS spokesperson confirmed to For The Win that was the case.

Happy Holidays! Just in time for Christmas, the Obamas are sharing their favorite holiday music on Spotify. “Holidays with the Obamas,” a playlist curated by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, includes Luther Vandross’ recording of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Listen to it now!